Roman Bronze Ring with Carnelian Intaglio

Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st to 3rd century CE,
A set oval carnelian intaglio carved directly into the translucent orange-red stone with a standing depiction of Mercury (the Greek Hermes), in profile facing right on a ground line. He is rendered in the distinctive stylized, linear "wheel-cut" provincial style typical of 2nd- to 3rd-century Roman glyptics, clutching a money bag (marsupium) downward in his extended left hand and holding his winged herald's staff (caduceus) upright in his right, with a chlamys (cloak) draped over his arm and subtle projections on his head indicating the winged petasos or traveler's cap. As the patron god of commerce, trade, travel, and financial gain, Mercury was one of the most widely favored deities engraved on seal rings carried by Roman merchants and provincial officials. The heavy bronze hoop has expanded shoulders forming an oval bezel setting, typical of Guiraud Type 2/Henig Type III–V ring shapes. The metal displays a heavy, uncleaned archaeological patina.

Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm) L. x 1 inch (2.5 cm) W. x 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) D.

Provenance: Upper East Side NY Collection.